The Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Somalia, Michael Keating, welcomes the signing of a power-sharing agreement by Galmudug State President Ahmed Duale Ghelle “Xaaf” and Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a (ASWJ) leader Sheikh Shakir.

The Special Representative said the agreement, which was signed at a ceremony in Villa Somalia yesterday and witnessed by Federal President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed “Farmaajo”, Prime Minister Hassan Khaire, the country’s federal member state presidents and the Governor of Benadir, was a significant step towards forming a viable, unified administration in Galmudug. “This is good news for the people of Galmudug and for all Somalis. Resolving conflicts through dialogue is the best way forward,” he added.

Mr. Keating also commends the role played by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in facilitating meetings in Nairobi and Djibouti between the two parties prior to yesterday’s signing. The parties had not met since the formation of Galmudug state in July 2015, but reached a breakthrough during a workshop held in Djibouti earlier this month.

Noting that outstanding issues still need to be addressed, the Special Representative encourages all stakeholders – including the two parties, the Federal Government, local representatives and authorities, assembly members and civil society – to maintain momentum to finalize and implement the agreement.